ERROR_SXS_XML_E_INVALID_UNICODE - 14049 (0x36E1)
Manifest Parse Error : Invalid unicode character value for this platform.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_SXS_XML_E_INVALID_UNICODE (14049, 0x36E1) indicates a manifest parse error related to an invalid Unicode character value for the current platform. This error typically occurs during the processing of XML-based manifests used by the Side-by-Side assembly (SXS) subsystem.
Error Details
The SXS subsystem is responsible for managing assemblies and their dependencies in Windows. Manifests are XML files that describe the metadata, versioning, and dependencies of these assemblies. When a manifest contains an invalid Unicode character value, the parsing process fails, leading to this error.
Usage Context
This error can occur in various scenarios where XML manifests are processed by the SXS subsystem. Common contexts include:
- Loading or executing managed code assemblies.
- Resolving dependencies between different assemblies.
- Deploying applications that rely on manifest-based configurations.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering this error, developers should interpret it as a failure in parsing an XML manifest due to the presence of an invalid Unicode character. This can be caused by several factors, such as incorrect encoding or malformed content within the manifest file. Developers are advised to validate and ensure that all characters used in manifests adhere to the expected Unicode standards for the platform.
Related Errors
ERROR_SXS_FILE_HASH_MISMATCH(14052, 0x36E4): Indicates a mismatch between the hash value of an assembly and its manifest.ERROR_SXS_MANIFEST_PARSE_ERROR(14048, 0x36DE): A broader error indicating issues in parsing any part of the manifest.
FAQ
Q: What does this error mean?
A: The error indicates that an invalid Unicode character was found during the parsing of a manifest file by the SXS subsystem. This can occur due to incorrect encoding or malformed content within the manifest.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that all characters in your manifests are valid Unicode and adhere to the expected standards for the platform. Validate the XML structure and correct any encoding issues before retrying the operation.
Summary
The ERROR_SXS_XML_E_INVALID_UNICODE error is a specific manifestation of an invalid Unicode character value within an XML manifest processed by the SXS subsystem. Developers should focus on ensuring proper encoding and validation to avoid this issue.